Pronunciation: [ˈɒksɪd͡ʒən] (IPA) 
The word "oxygen" is spelled with the letters o-x-y-g-e-n. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /ˈɑksɪdʒən/. The first syllable "ox" is pronounced like the animal, with a short "o" sound and a "k" sound. The second syllable "ygen" is pronounced with a short "i" sound, and a "j" sound for the letter "g" before the vowel "e". Overall, the word "oxygen" has a clear and easy-to-understand spelling that matches its pronunciation.
Oxygen is a chemical element denoted by the symbol O and atomic number 8. It is one of the most abundant elements on Earth and is a vital component for supporting life. In its pure form, oxygen is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. It is highly reactive and combines with other elements or compounds to form oxides.
Oxygen plays a crucial role in breathing and respiration. It is essential for the metabolic process that takes place within cells, where it helps break down glucose molecules to produce energy. In aerobic organisms, oxygen is inhaled by the respiratory system and is transported through the bloodstream to all parts of the body.
Apart from its vital role in respiration, oxygen is also utilized in various industrial processes. It is used in combustion reactions, such as burning fuels, to generate heat and energy. Additionally, oxygen is used in medical settings like hospitals, where it can be supplied to patients to aid in their breathing.
Commercially, oxygen is produced in large quantities by methods like fractional distillation of air or through the electrolysis of water. It is typically stored and transported in specially designed containers or tanks. Oxygen supports the sustenance of life on Earth and plays a fundamental role in various scientific, industrial, and medical applications.
Oxygenium (U.S.), a gaseous element, symbol O, atomic weight 16, the most abundant and widely distributed of all the chemical elements; it combines with most of the other elements to form oxides, and is essential to animal and plant life. Oxygen is employed by inhalation in pneumonia, in dyspnea and cyanosis, and is sometimes given to athletes before a contest with the idea that it increases the "wind" and the staying powers.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
That elementary gaseous body which gives to air its power of supporting respiration and combustion, and which, by its union with hydrogen, forms water.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "oxygen" comes from the French word "oxygène", which was coined by French chemist Antoine Lavoisier in 1777. Lavoisier derived the term from the Greek words "oxys" meaning "acid" and "gennan" meaning "to generate" or "to create", referring to his belief at the time that oxygen was a component of all acids.
